The Seventh Hat Strategy: An Innovative Vision for Mind Development

 The Seventh Hat Strategy: An Innovative Vision for Mind Development

By Dr. Hussein Yamani

Writer and Researcher in International Economic Relations

15.05.2025

What is thinking? What are the different types of thinking? How should we think? What are the methods of thinking?

Thinking is a set of ideas and mental processes that revolve in the mind at every moment of our lives. As human beings, we constantly need to think. The great dilemma occurs when we cease using our minds—when our minds stop thinking, we become less than animals. In fact, animals may be better than us; they think and use traditional ways of thinking to protect themselves and manage their daily lives. That is why we must think. We must not set thinking aside. Let us plan. Let us always strive for change. Let us use this divine gift correctly. So, we said that thinking is a set of ideas and mental processes happening in the mind every moment of our lives.

Dr. Edward de Bono spoke about thinking strategies and stated that there are six thinking styles. I am adding a seventh mode of thinking. Hence, we say there are seven types of thinking. It is very useful to analyze these styles based on a realistic and accurate understanding without letting in any side influences, whether negative or positive. Initially, we must think in an abstract way, and only after that should we start integrating different factors naturally.

Dr. Edward de Bono introduced six types of thinking, which he called the Six Thinking Hats. He assigned each hat a color and described the specific function of each one. His goal was to focus on thinking and shed light on all different perspectives. We must think outside the box. We must also think inside the box and look at it from various distant angles—that is the correct approach.

Let us now analyze the strategic thinking styles and understand what they offer. The first hat is the white hat, which represents neutral thinking—thinking with information and data. One must think in a neutral way, excluding emotions, intuition, creativity, or judgment. You simply deal with facts and figures. This white hat is the first critical stage in the thinking process, because we cannot think correctly if we lack accurate information. Therefore, we must gather the right data objectively and without bias. This is what the white hat stands for.

The second is the red hat, which symbolizes emotions and intuition. It calls for decision-making based on how we feel—what our hearts say. Interestingly, this is one of the most common modes of thinking in decision-making. When someone is asked, "Why did you make that decision?" they often say, "I felt good about it." This feeling of comfort often encourages action. But relying solely on emotions can be a mistake. We must combine all thinking styles. Emotions can sometimes be right, but even a 30% error rate can be catastrophic when managing projects, institutions, societies, or nations. Therefore, we must strive for maximum certainty in our decisions.

The third hat is the black hat, which is critical and cautious thinking. It focuses on identifying potential risks and future threats. This is where institutions and businesses invest heavily—by assessing possible negatives. Thinking critically is, in itself, a positive process because it helps develop solutions and avoid problems before they occur. This way, weaknesses can be transformed into strengths.

Next is the yellow hat, representing optimism and positivity. It focuses on opportunities, benefits, and potential gains. While positive thinking is important and energizing, relying only on optimism is equally flawed. Strategic decisions must consider both sides: the bright and the dark.

Then we have the green hat, which symbolizes creativity and innovation. This style of thinking seeks development and new solutions. No matter the field—business, social life, politics, economics, education—we need creative approaches. Creativity helps us see things from a more advanced and insightful angle. Humans by nature seek growth and development. Thus, we must evolve our thinking processes to achieve varied and effective results.

The sixth hat, according to Edward de Bono, is the blue hat, which represents meta-thinking or process control. It coordinates all the previous thinking styles, bringing them together to form a comprehensive strategy. We move from neutrality to emotion, from criticism to optimism, and from creativity to structure. Only by using all hats can we achieve our intended goals.

And now, I present a seventh hat—the Sky-Blue Hat—which is my own innovation. This hat is about spiritual thinking, purpose-driven living, and divine connection. It asks us to think about the universe, humanity, and life itself. What is the purpose of existence? Why do we pursue growth? What do we want to achieve? Are our goals meant to please God Almighty, or are they just for profit?

If our work is only about profit, even if we become the wealthiest people on Earth, then what? Pride takes over. Illness strikes. Death follows. And everything becomes meaningless—dust scattered in the wind. If our work is not sincerely for God’s sake, it is wasted. We must always align our actions with the purpose of our existence.

This does not apply only to institutions or societies—it applies to each one of us. Everyone should ask: Why am I here? What am I capable of? It’s beautiful when each person knows their strength and operates within it, without fearing criticism from others. Do not fear people—fear the Creator. Offer advice. Speak truth. Ultimately, we will depart this world. It is merely a farm for the Hereafter, where the righteous succeed and the heedless fail.

Why not be among the righteous? Why not think constructively and positively—not just for this life, but for the Hereafter too? As the Quran says: "Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire." Let us think with both worlds in mind—whether managing communities, countries, organizations, or individual lives—always with the Sky-Blue Hat.

This is a call and an initiative to the youth of the Arab and Islamic nations: think logically, be impactful in your communities, and don’t be cowards. It is painful to see that European governments change course based on public opinion, while Arab societies often follow colonial-influenced decisions, with no voice for the people.

When Zionist occupation media says: “We can’t concede on some issues because of public pressure,” it shows they have a public voice. But do we? Don’t these facts burn within us? Don’t we feel ashamed? Don’t we feel jealous enough to demand change?

Therefore, speak the truth and don’t stop. When your thinking is linked to God, you’ll realize that your reward comes from Him—not from others. Stop blaming only governments. Cowardly societies that choose silence to protect themselves are also responsible. If silence were a viable strategy, it could last for a day or two, a month maybe—but to remain silent for life is a disaster.

Speak the truth. This is a call to all: youth, governments, employees, ministers, leaders. Break the silence. Care for your people and your nations. This is what the Arab-Islamic world truly needs—to change and think correctly.

We weren’t created to please the West. We have our own goals, hopes, and dreams. Why don’t we think for ourselves? We also have the Hereafter. Living a life of cowardice means we won’t change or develop—we’ll always remain tools in the hands of the colonizers.

If just 300,000 brave men and women stood up in each society, spoke truthfully, the authorities couldn’t imprison them all. Eventually, the governments would yield to public demands. This is what we see in the West. Why don’t we see it in our own countries?

Say the truth. Fear no one but God. Always link your strategic thinking to the Sky-Blue Hat—thinking that is rooted in God-consciousness. We will be held accountable for our silence. As Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab said: “There is no good in you if you don’t say it, and there is no good in us if we don’t listen to it.”

There is no good in nations that don’t think strategically or speak the truth, and there is no good in leaders who do not listen to the voice of truth.

We want change. We speak with pain because we care deeply about this Ummah. We don’t only want to criticize—it is our jealousy that drives us to speak. We want transformation. We want to evolve.

Look at what Pakistan did—quick, precise, decisive actions stopped the enemy, and the war ended. How great it is to be strong! When you’re strong, no one can violate your rights. When you’re weak—and worse, when you attack those who speak the truth—that’s the real tragedy.

May God change our condition for the better. May we be among those who listen to the word and follow the best of it. And God is the ultimate guide.

This article is in the path of Allah.

, and our final prayer is: All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds.